Moving to Missouri isn’t just a relocation—it’s a smart financial move! Over 143,000 people moved here last year, and it’s easy to see why. Ranked the #2 best state for saving money, Missouri offers a unique blend of affordability, job opportunities, and a balanced lifestyle.
Moreover, Missouri has 145,000 job openings in early 2025 and 136,160 more to be added by 2032. This is an all-in-one guide for relocating to Missouri—everything you need, from finding a home to a downloadable checklist to help you move without any hassle.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Missouri is a top choice for affordability, ranked the #2 best state for saving money, with over 143,000 people moving in last year.
- The job market is strong, with 145,000 openings in early 2025 and plans to add over 136,000 jobs by 2032, especially in healthcare, tech manufacturing, and retail sectors.
- Housing is affordable, with a median home price of around $262K and rents averaging $1,350, well below national averages.
- Missouri has a strong educational system with over 880,000 students across 518 school districts.
- The state is home to major universities like the University of Missouri and Missouri State.
- Missouri experiences a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
4 Reasons to Move to Missouri
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Missouri, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Affordable Housing
The median housing price in Missouri is $262K, which is significantly lower than the U.S. average. Plus, renting a house in Missouri costs around $1,350, way below the national average of $2,100. This makes it an attractive option for anyone who wants to save more.
Additionally, Missouri’s First Place Loan Program for first-time buyers and veterans offers low interest rates on various loans and up to 4% down payment and closing cost assistance. These initiatives make housing even more affordable and accessible to everyone.
2. Job Opportunities in Missouri
Missouri’s economy is booming in tech, healthcare, retail, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Top employers in the area include BJC Healthcare, Walmart, and Ford. Healthcare, IT, and warehousing jobs are among the highest in demand.
Missouri plans to add over 136,000 more in various sectors by the end of 2032. Additionally, the Missouri One Start initiative offers up to $2,000 per employee for training, and Missouri Works offers tax credits for businesses that create and retain quality jobs.
3. Education in Missouri
Missouri is home to the University of Missouri (Columbia), Missouri State, and Truman State. Plus, it serves over 879,000 students across 554 school districts. Metro Academic & Classical High School and Ladue Horton Watkins are among the top public schools.
Additionally, Missouri offers several student aid programs. The Bright Flight Scholarship offers up to $3,000/year for high achievers, while the A+ Program covers community college tuition. These initiatives by the state make education accessible to everyone.
4. Climate in Missouri
Missouri has a humid continental climate in the north and a humid subtropical climate in the south. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 70°F-90°F, while Winters are cold, with temperatures ranging between 8°F-41°F.
Missouri is prone to severe weather events, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding. The state experiences an average of 40-50 days of thunderstorms per year.
Pros and Cons of Living in Missouri
Here are the key benefits and disadvantages of living in Missouri:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. The cost of living is well below the national average, and housing is cheap. This makes it perfect for those who want to save. | 1. However, some areas are prone to tornadoes, humid summers, icy winters, and seasonal flooding. |
| 2. Missouri’s central location provides easy access to major U.S. cities like Chicago, Nashville, and KC. | 2. Public transportation outside big cities is sparse, and a car is a necessity here. |
| 3. You get easy access to outdoor activities. From the Ozarks to rivers and parks, it’s perfect for outdoor lovers. | 3. Crime’s a concern in some cities. St. Louis and parts of Kansas City have higher crime rates. |
| 4. Missouri has a growing job market. Especially in healthcare, logistics, and tech sectors. | 4. Wages can be modest. Especially in rural areas, salaries may not match national levels. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Missouri ✅
Before entering the Missouri housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Vehicle Registration & Driver’s License: After relocating to Missouri, you must register and obtain a driver’s license within 30 days. Vehicle registration needs a title, insurance, safety inspection, odometer reading, and taxes.
- Recreational Marijuana: Adults aged 21 and over can purchase up to 3 ounces from the licensed dispensaries. You can also grow up to 6 flowering plants at home. However, supplying to minors or unlicensed sales is still illegal.
- Pet Registration and Vaccination: Missouri has no statewide dog or pet registration law, but city and county rules vary. Many cities require leash use in public, rabies vaccinations, or licenses for dogs.
- Moving Permits: You don’t need a permit to move to Missouri. However, if you move and will block a residential street, you may need a temporary obstruction permit, especially in cities like Kansas City or St. Louis.
- Residency for Tax Purposes: If you spend 183 days or more in Missouri and have a permanent residence there, you are considered a resident and taxed on all income.
Cost of Living in Missouri
The cost of living in Missouri is 9% lower than the national average. Lower cost of living means you save more on daily expenses like utilities and healthcare. Plus, due to its affordable housing, renting or buying a house also costs less.
It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
How to Move to Missouri?
Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to Missouri seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you plan to hire professional movers in Missouri, you can expect to pay around $113 per hour[3]. However, this rate depends on the amount of your belongings and the distance.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Begin setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3-4 weeks.
- Electricity and Natural Gas: Electricity in most of Missouri is served by major providers like Ameren Missouri (central MO) or Evergy (western MO). However, natural gas is typically provided by Spire. Visit their website or call to set up your services.
- Water & Sewer: Water and sewer services are usually managed locally by the city municipality departments. For example, in Kansas City, it’s the KC Water Department. You’ll need to submit a start-service request and show proof of residency.
- Internet and Cable: Spectrum and AT&T Fiber are the major service providers in the urban areas. However, rural areas mostly rely on Mediacom, Socket, or T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. You can check the availability of service in your city on their respective websites.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: Your child must be at least 5 years old before August 1st for kindergarten and 6 for the first grade. You will need to submit the child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency.
- For Older Students: For the older children, you will need the above documents in addition to transcripts from their previous school. Also, bring a transfer form if changing districts, and the same ID and residency documents.
- Transfer & Special Cases: If your child has an EIP or is transferring from out of the state, directly contact the school district’s Special Services office for assistance.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: Missouri is remote-work friendly, especially in suburbs like Chesterfield (St. Louis) and Lee’s Summit. If you are already working remotely, ask your employer for state-specific employment and tax rules.
- Find a New Job: You can use local job boards like MOJobs.mo.gov, St. Louis Tech Careers, or KC Rising. Major employers in the state include Cerner, Boeing, and BJC Healthcare.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- In popular cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Columbia, the average rent ranges between $100 – $145,000[2], depending on the neighborhood and nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a popular city, on average, homes for sale in St Louis cost around $187K[2]. On the other hand, smaller cities like Jennings and Kennett offer affordable options with median housing costs of $71K[2] and $111K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to Missouri?
Yes, you should definitely move to Missouri. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Missouri isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Missouri’s best home-buying website, buying a house in Missouri is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Missouri, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in Missouri
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Missouri, long before the moving boxes are packed.
